An added comment. It was asserted that many saints and Catholic ascetics were vegans. My response:

“One more comment about ascetics who supposedly ate a vegan diet. In modern terms, they were not vegans. Veganism today is usually not simply a simple diet but an ideology which says that eating meat is cruelty, exploitation of animals and is morally wrong.

Christian ascetics ate a simple diet as a form of fasting and penance. They did NOT avoid eating because they thought eating an animal was immoral. To do so would be to say Jesus had acted immorally. They avoided meat because it was an extravagant pleasure.

Just as they would not wear a mink coat because it was an extravagance, so they did not eat meat because it too was considered – not a sin or immoral act – but an extravagance. For most of history meat, like a fur coat, was an expensive indulgence of the rich.

This distinction is important in the discussion of Christianity and veganism. The ascetics were not vegans in the same sense or for the same reason as most modern ideological vegans. They simply ate a simple diet which avoided luxuries like meat (and fur coats).”

Because they’re not like us? Plants are alive too. Unlike animals, they can’t even defend themselves, so when you pick on a plant you’re picking on a life that’s more vulnerable. Plus, you’re picking on a whole lot more lives. One cow can feed you for weeks. One plant won’t even be enough for the appetizer of a single meal. So if you really want to save lives, eat only meat.:-)

It is a contentious issue as to whether Jesus ate lamb, although I will acknowledge that the old testament is full of references to animal sacrifice, including lambs. However, it is my view that any ‘God’ that is benign, would never sanction the slaughter of any intelligent sentient being. I used to be a meat eater, until I saw some lambs slaughtered. These creatures were only a few months old. To see their fear with my own eyes was something that I will never forget. I would save every last one if I had the power to do so. Vegetarianism is morally and spiritually right. There is no argument to justify animal slaughter if we have an alternative. When all humanity embraces this ethic the world will be a better place. I live in hope.

It isn’t/ shouldn’t be within our right to take a life. That being said, for those of you who love meat and use God and the bible as an excuse saying that Jesus ate meat(fish) and it clearly states that Jesus was not a sinner than it is okay to eat meat, let me remind you back then we didn’t have slaughter houses where animals are cruelly and brutally killed by hundreds, thousands, and millions. Back then it was done a little more tastefully. ( though even then it wasnt right in my opinion.) So when your eating your hot dog or hamburger think about what that animal went through and if God would really approve/be okay with you taking advantage of his creation?
Reply to Anil Wang- You really think animals can defend them selves against what human kind has become? We have guns, knives, and machines. Their only defence is their beaks, teeth, and strength. And incase you didn’t know we take that away from them. So next time you want to make an ignorant comment please don’t and consider how much that comment offends vegans and vegetarians.

Saint Francis of Assisi was reproved by the Lord through one of his brothers in Christ on this issue. He had the intention to restrict meats from the diet of the Friars Minor until an angel of the Lord reproved him. It’s in I Fioretti, the Little Flowers.

There are some good arguments here (and apparently some trolls too). Personally, I do feel that eating meat at every meal is a bit excessive and unnecessary. True that today’s massive industrial slaughter houses are pure cruelty. At the same time, there is a valid argument about how to feed the world’s growing population. Depending on the country, meat consumption varies with the US being the world’s top consumer and waster. Those poor animals that died in vain to be thrown in the garbage. My personal point of view is that it should be consumed conscientiously and in moderation. There are some vital nutrients that humans obtain from meat (or synthetically) and the protein is necessary, but apparently there are some plant protein equivalents. I kind of believe that those who choose a vegan lifestyle have attained a higher consciousness. They just cannot bear the thought of harming a living creature. That is admirable. As a catholic, I was taught to lead a simple life, but as an American I was taught abundance. I suppose this paves the way for internal conflict. The good news is we are free to choose what we nourish our bodies and mind with. On a side note – somewhere in the New Age philosophy I read that the animal’s energy at the time of its slaughter can be transferred to humans during consumption. I find this notion quite fascinating. I mainly stick to free range chicken with the occasional steak. Let’s be conscious and try not to judge.

Though consumption of meat is absolutely sensational and exciting, the process makes us a lot more selfish and apathetic. Don’t we feel a bit amused and disgusted when we eat or see people stuffing themselves with fatty substances as though it were a ritual or an “end” in itself. The founder of Opus Dei once said, “The day you leave the table without having done some small mortification you have eaten like a pagan.” We, Catholics in particular, generally eat more than we need and that FULLNESS, which often brings a sense of heaviness and a physical or psychological DISCOMFORT makes us UNFIT to Savour the Supernatural goods. WE COULD DO A WHOLE lot better, if we could eat less meat and use our faculties to contemplate the riches found in the Christ. Perhaps, eventually one will give up meat corresponding to the degree of union with the Christ. (Abide)
St. Paul said, “All I once held dear (in all its subtleties) I count it as a great hindrance, a loss….” Peace of Christ brethren. May the Joy of the LORD be our strength.